“I spoke to the player and we’d agreed everything with Everton,” said Rowett. “I think Sam (Allardyce) said that their preference was for the player to come to ourself, but the preference of the agent and the player was to go to Red Bull, which you can understand because it is obviously a very good club in the top four of the Bundesliga.”

The 20-year-old proved to be a hit at Leipzig, scoring five goals in just 11 appearances – and only seven starts.

He helped set up a further four goals during his half-season stint. Leipzig finished the season in sixth.

Lookman’s minutes-per-goal ratio at the end of the season was only bettered by Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Munich (75 minutes), showing the impact he had.

CHE ADAMS

Che Adams scored a hat-trick for Birmingham City against Crawley Town (Image: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

Rowett had signed Adams for Birmingham City from Sheffield United when he was boss at St Andrew’s and appeared keen to take him to Pride Park in the summer.

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He did, however, fail to find the net in his last 11 appearances as Birmingham narrowly avoided relegation to League One.

Gallagher has since returned to Southampton.

“A massive thanks to all the staff, coaches, players and fans of Birmingham City for the opportunity and support this season,” he said. “I’ve loved my time at the club and wish them every bit of success in the future.”

JASON STEELE

Jason Steele of Sunderland in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between QPR and Sunderland at Loftus Road (Image: Jack Thomas/Getty Images)

Derby were in the market for an experienced goalkeeper in January, to provide back-up to number one Scott Carson during the run-in.

With Kelle Roos and Jonathan Mitchell the two in line to replace Carson – should he get injured or suspended – Rowett looked to bring in someone with more Championship game time under their belt.

A loan deal seemed all but sorted for Sunderland’s Jason Steele to join the Rams.